Spain-based Grupo Antolin, one of the largest global manufacturers of interior components for the automotive industry, will locate two facilities in Louisville, Kentucky. The company plans to create 200 jobs through a more than $13.7 million investment.

Grupo Antolin, which employs nearly 350 people at its Hopkinsville plant, decided to expand its Kentucky operations based on recent and projected growth, local economic development officials said. The company chose to lease two buildings on Westport Road in Louisville. In selecting location, company officials cited the need to ensure long-term success. The investment will cover facility upgrades and new equipment, along with start-up and lease costs. Grupo Antolin expects to start the project in November.

“We are happy to announce the opening of a new plant to fulfill our customer needs and deliver the best service,” said Pablo Baroja, President of Grupo Antolin in North America. “In Kentucky, we have found the perfect environment to make business and expand our footprint in the U.S.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $4 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, Grupo Antolin is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.

“The automotive industry accounts for a significant amount of Kentucky’s economic success in recent years, and the addition of Grupo Antolin shows that trend will continue,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “More than 88,000 people already work in Kentucky’s auto industry. Projects such as this ensure that number will keep growing.”

“We are excited that Grupo Antolin, a global leader in manufacturing, has chosen to expand its Kentucky production facility,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Louisville has the workforce, location and strong manufacturing culture that will allow the interior automotive supplier to thrive as part of our 21st century economy. I commend Grupo Antolin for their investment in Louisville and look forward to working with them as a citizen partner.”